Five file for City Council slots

Five individuals have filed for spots coming open on the Hannibal City Council. Tuesday was the opening day of the filing period.

DANNY HENLEYdanny.henley@courierpost.com

Five individuals have filed for spots coming open on the Hannibal City Council. Tuesday was the opening day of the filing period.As expected, two have filed for mayor. Incumbent Roy Hark will seek a fifth term. Challenging Hark will be Lou Barta, former Third Ward councilman. Both men announced their intentions to run on Oct. 11.Another race is shaping up in Ward 2 where incumbent Michael Dobson will be opposed by Jennifer Foster.Through 3 p.m. Wednesday only Barry Louderman had filed in Ward 4. Louderman currently holds the seat.The only other Council spot up for election will be in the Sixth Ward, which was only filled on Dec. 4 when James Locke was selected to serve by the Council members until the next municipal election, which comes up in April 2013.The winner of the April election in the Sixth Ward will serve the remainder of the unexpired term of Dr. Richard Draper, who because of work conflicts resigned from the Council on Oct. 30. A year will remain on the Sixth Ward term following next April’s election.The filing period will remain open until 5 p.m. Jan. 15.